Strapped Down: A Small-Town BDSM Romance

by Mandy Mackay

James and Angelica both have a secret. The same they're in love with each other.

For the past six years, they've been everything to one another except lovers—coworkers, cheerleaders, confidants. Which means there's one thing James doesn't know about his best friend. Her illicit desires.

But when a veterinary emergency at James's horse ranch one freezing winter night leads to heightened emotions, close quarters, and convenient excuses for seeking warmth… hiding from those desires might just become impossible.

Strapped Down is a super-spicy ~25k romance novella. There is minimal plot, loads of steam, and a sprinkling of tender moments.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Mandy Mackay writes sexy, rural romances featuring rugged heroes with filthy mouths and hearts of gold (sometimes, more than one at a time). She blames her formative years spent mucking stalls, getting lost in the woods, and drooling over men in blue jeans and boots.

Reviews

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past 6 years, James & Angelica have been in love but never told each other.

Then one winter day James needs help with a foul and calls her for help, she agrees and drives up to the Ranch. A big storm was coming and they ended up trapped together until she could drive safely.

They decide to play pool while having a few drinks, which is when feelings start surfacing. She finds out he's been into her and she tells him she has BDSM-type needs (that she was going to a club to fulfil until now) and was afraid it would have ruined their friendship when he found out. He reassures her that nothing will damage them and that's he's all for giving her what she wants.

James is natural at taking charge, being the confident dominant that Angelica needs and realizes he's really into it too. And since there is so much trust and care between them already she feels comfortable and safe enough to let go, knowing he'll catch her.

The love they had for each other could be felt through the pages, it warmed my heart (he was still very alpha though!!). The spicy times were detailed, unique each time and def made my temperature rise 🥵!

I was excited that there was a bonus scene as I didn't want their story to end.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice/Heat Intensity: 6 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
Main Characters: James & Angelica
Nickname: Angel/Beautiful
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: Strapped Down
Epilogue: Yes plus a sign-up Bonus Scene
Ending Type: HEA


*Dominant MMC
*Forced Proximity
*Forced O's
*Wax Play
*BDSM ish
*Mostly Spice!
*Free Use
*Best Friends to Lovers
*No cheating or sharing


⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some - Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+

*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

STRAPPED DOWN features two friends secretly pining for each other for years until a snow storm and a little bit of alcohol reveals their feelings. I liked both James and Angelica as characters and I actually loved that Angelica was the more experienced one in the BDSM world. Together they were definitely spicy though it mostly revolved around a pain kink which is not my favorite thing to read about. I did like this one and it's great if you're looking for something focused on the spice but compared to Mandy Mackay's other books it felt like the sweeter moments were lacking. Mostly because James and Angelica were already so in love with each other and their story focused mostly on James exploring how to pleasure Angelica once he learned what she was really interested in.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward best friends to lovers with a power exchange dynamic.

James has been in love with Angelica as long as he can remember but they’ve never acted upon it or broached the subject. At the onset of a fierce snowstorm, a client’s horse goes into labor, so James calls veterinarian Angelica to oversee the fraught birth.

Angelica has been pursuing hookups to fulfill her submissive needs but never expected to be in a position to find someone to love as well. After a tipsy conversation leads to certain truths being revealed, the pair must decide whether to risk their friendship for something greater.

Three and a half stars rounded up to four. I received an advance reader copy from booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Strapped Down’ is my favorite kind of dirty, sweet, sexy, fun. James and Anjelica wasted so many years, afraid of expressing their feelings for each other. Neither knowing the other is in love with the other. But, now they know, it might be below zero outside, but it’s hot wherever they go. This was a great read. Definitely Recommended.

Basics:
Length:
* Novella
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* A Small-Town BDSM Romance
Epilogue:
* No

Nitty-Gritty…
MMC:
* James
FMC:
* Anjelica
Genre & Tropes:
* Friends to Lovers
* BDSM Romance
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Explicit On Page Sex
* Bondage
* Forced O’s
* Dacryphilia
* Impact Play
* Object Play
* Wax Play
* Praise Kink
* Fire Play
* Bottom Play
* Sadomasochism
* Dirty Talk - Lots
* Language
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
*

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strapped Down - Mandy Mackay

This is the first book I have read by this new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a shorter romance that revolves around the couple alone with no other additional chatacters. It focuses on
James a horse ranch owner who has secretly been in love with his best friend Angelica (Dr Angelica Velasquez) who is also the vet who helps out when he encounters trouble with a horse on his ranch and needs expert guidance, for as long as he can remember. He loves everything about her and wants her for his own but never finds the strength to tell her. One night whilst snowed in and after a few drinks they have a conversation which shows that Angelica has the same feelings as James, but she fears losing their friendship could be the price they pay or when James discovers that Angelica enjoys experiencing BDSM to help her achieve maximum pleasure, this is a huge secret and she worries it will be a step too far for James but oh how wrong she was! Absolutely loved the chemistry between these two characters, they were so strong and determined to be what the other needed but didn't realise that they already were. The chemistry is scorching hot between them both and will melt your kindle if you aren't careful! I loved that we got dual points of view and knew how they felt as the relationship progressed. It was perfect. I will definitely be looking for more work by this author in the future no question. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that magical moment in a romance novel when the tension finally snaps, the characters admit their feelings, and you let out that deep, satisfied sigh? Well, this short novel is essentially that moment stretched into a delicious, passion-filled story—with just enough buildup to make it all the more rewarding. 😊 James and Angelica’s long-standing friendship adds so much depth to their connection. This isn’t some whirlwind instalove romance; these two have been secretly yearning for each other for years, and when they finally come together, it’s pure fire. There’s no drawn-out angst, just a perfect, satisfying payoff. Angelica’s confession about her interest in BDSM adds an unexpected twist, but what’s even more surprising is how effortlessly James stepped into his role as a Dominant, not just meeting her needs but exceeding them in ways she never imagined. And let’s talk about the spice—because wow. A dirty-talking cowboy who knows exactly what he’s doing? Yes, please. 🔥 The only thing that gave me pause was the implication that they’d both had a bit too much to drink before things escalated. Would they wake up with regrets? You’ll have to read to find out—but trust me, this one is worth it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[A79senlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends Angelica and James have had the hots for each other for years but were too afraid of ruining their friendship to confess — until now. In the midst of a winter storm, rancher James needs a vet for a pregnant horse in trouble and calls Angelica. One difficult foal birth and some alcohol later, the two finally fess up to each other and Angelica lets James in on another secret — she has certain “tastes” in bedroom activities. Is that a need James can fulfill or is it a step too far?

This one is a scorcher 🔥🔥🔥! James is such a sweetheart and he and bubbly Angelica are perfect together. She introduces him to a whole new world that he is more than eager to explore. And luckily, we get to be along for the ride. 🥵🥵🥵

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strapped Down by Mandy Mackay was a short and spicy novella, whew! Excuse me while I wipe my brow here. James and Angelica have been dancing around their feelings for years, and once they are forced together… let’s just say the walls come crumbling down. Angelica has certain predilections that she ends up sharing, and man-oh-man, does James rise to the occasion, pun intended. He has no problem taking control and pushing them to their limits. Everything seems fast, but when you have been denying feelings for years, it truly doesn’t, in all honesty. I love a good dirty read, and this was just that. 4 stars for me because I think I’m also an epilogue girl, and I was left wanting a little bit more.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

They have been best friends for years. Mutually pining for each other, but never taking it further out of respect for the friendship. One stormy night after delivering a foal, they find themselves stepping over the line and confessing their feelings. The confessions don’t stop there, the alcohol has loosened the inhibitions, and she confesses her darkest desires. Instead of being horrified, he is all in. This is a short story format so you do not expect to get detailed character development or complex plot lines. This is definitely a quickie with more steam than plot. A hot little friends to lovers story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Angelica are best friends but have been hiding the fact that they both want to be more than that. Neither wants to ruin their friendship and Angelica is also nervous that James won’t understand the desires that she has. Stranded at James’ ranch by a storm, they take a risk and both open up about their feelings and things get very intimate fast. Recommended for readers looking for a steamy, descriptive BDSM read where friendship and trust allows the relationship to deepen, push boundaries and provide plenty of satisfaction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PugLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Angelica have been best friends for years, both in love with each other for about half that time, and neither wanting to ruin the best friendship they had. James calls Angelica, a veterinarian, to come check on a mare whose labor has stalled, on one of the worse winter days. After a successful birth, showers and sandwiches, they decide burbon and a pool rematch was needed. Read this book to see what happens after a couple shots loosen their lips and true feelings come to light, find out who admits to unfulfilled kinky needs, and see them make up for lost time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a short story but it was super cute. They Vet and the Rancher get snowed in at his house. After a few too many drinks the clothes fly and so does the sparks.

I feel like it could have be longer with more back story and let the tension play out longer, but I felt like I had a pretty good handle on who they were.

I also downloaded the bonus chapter which did not go the way I thought it would. Again I feel like it could have been expanded upon. But overall it was well written and I enjoyed reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, steamy novella about two friends who discover being lovers is where they were meant to be. Veterinarian, Angelica, and ranch owner, James, find love and lust when a pregnant mare and bad weather force this couple to face the inevitability of their long friendship and a side to Angelica she has been hiding from James for years.

Easy to read, nicely paced romance with plenty of spice. Novella length so it doesn't drag on. Great characters and chemistry. High four stars! Enjoyable read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading James and Angelica’s story in Strapped down by Mandy Mackey. They have been friends for years, always being there for the other no matter what the situation is but they both are hiding a secret from the other. They are in love with each other, to scared to say for fear of losing each other. One night when Angelica gets stuck at his house things take a turn and they start to explore their relationship but She has another secret he doesn’t know and that’s what she like in the bedroom.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very explicit friends to lovers romance in this book. Two best friends find their kink with each other and much more. Angelica and James never realized the they could be so much more together but one very snowy night pushed them into a cold forced proximity which leads to fiery hot discovery. I enjoyed these characters and the honesty that emerges from them. I also liked the sweet foal Avalanche that comes as an added bonus.

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Friends to lovers. Sexy scenes. Thought it was interesting how a guy with really no interest in Dom/sub and pain just comes off as a master in them. He seemed to have no inkling then Bam! He is using wax and fire without any pause or difficulty. It was sweet that each liked each other but didn’t want to tell the other. Shorter read then the others in the series

Received a copy from BookSprout

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story about best friends becoming lovers. Despite its length, the background was well-developed, making the connection feel real. The spice was on point and blended seamlessly with the plot. While the BDSM element was on the lighter side, it was still present and added to the overall enjoyment. The writing was engaging, making it easy to get lost in the characters' chemistry. A great pick for readers who love a steamy yet heartfelt romance.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be sure to have a fan nearby when you read this book! I enjoyed this book so much. James has known Angelica for some time and has been in love with her. He treasures their close friendship and has never pursued anything more with her. What he doesn't know is that Angelica feels the same. I love the closeness between James and Angelica and how it evolves into something more. Excellent book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strapped Down: A Small-Town BDSM Romance by Mandy Mackay is part of the Crops, Spurs and Saddles series. Angelica and James are friends that have been in love with each other for 6 years. One stormy night after delivering a foal they start confessing their feelings. This was a quick read, I just wish there was a little more to the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strapped Down is a small town, BDSM Romance which is part of the Crops, Spurs, & Saddles series written by Mandy Mackay. This a short story but it was super cute. James and Angelica get snowed in at his house. After a few too many drinks the clothes fly and so does the sparks. This is more of a quickie with more spice than plot. A steamy friend’s to lover’s romance story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friend to Intensely Passionate Lovers
James and Angelica have been close friends for years, secretly attracted to each other for ages. One blizzard-billiards-whiskey combination later, truths come out and clothes come off. This story was so steamy (pant, pant, phew!) and I loved the intense passion between these two. Their intimate scenes are intense and boundary pushing and I was enraptured throughout. A wonderful read.

[Anna Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this was a short story, it did get down and dirty from the start. Light on plot, as was stated in the authors notes, but what there was, was very engaging. The steamy scenes were hot! Even though it was a quick read, so very worth it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, short sweet romance with a solid amount of smut thrown into the mix. There's an array of consensual BDSM with a surprisingly great chemistry between the characters. The quality of writing makes Strapped Down stand out from a lot of similar (but disappointing) stories.

[Morby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, quick read with a lot of spice. James and Angie have been best friends for years. They both had feelings for each other but didn't want to ruin their friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an amazing little read. I couldn't put it down and had finished reading it within an hour. This is the second book of Mandy's that I have read and I truly enjoy her writing style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Almeida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that when the weather gets bad the truth is side between our two best friends. Very exciting hot scenes snd a great conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story. James and Angelica have been friends for years. Each in love with the other, Which she comes out to help with a foals borth there's a storm and they end up hot and steamy together, I read it in about two hours, A page turner.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Angelica have been friends for years, but now is their time to take things a bit (ok, a lot) further than just friends. A super spicy quick read with a touch of kinky, and plenty of steam and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting, well-written novella that is heavier on the steam and spice than intense character development, but it is a good, solid story with an entertaining premise and good execution.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the story - actually liked most everything about this book. The reason for the 4 stars is a lot of the book to me seemed repetitive.